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Best Tent Camping near Waurika, OK

94 Reviews

Tent camping options around Waurika, Oklahoma include Waurika Primitive Camping, an undeveloped area providing a free tent camping experience on the shores of Waurika Lake. The free primitive sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with a 14-day stay limit. Additional tent camping can be found at nearby Chandler Creek Campground in Lawton, which offers more developed facilities. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Joe Benton Park at Lake Nocona across the Texas border provides another primitive tent camping option.

Road conditions at Waurika Primitive Camping present challenges for campers, particularly after rain. The dirt and gravel access roads feature significant ruts and holes that require careful navigation. Sites consist of open, mowed areas with some rock fire rings but no designated tent pads. Campers must bring all supplies, including drinking water, as the area has no potable water, toilets, or trash service. The primitive nature requires strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles, with campers responsible for packing out all waste and supplies.

The lakeside location at Waurika offers scenic camping with good water access for kayaking and fishing. The primitive tent sites provide direct lake access without formal boat ramps, making them ideal for small watercraft launches. While weekend crowds can increase, particularly during hunting season, weekdays typically offer more solitude for tent campers. The camping area sits less than a quarter mile from the highway, making it relatively accessible despite the rough roads. A review mentioned, "This is an amazing place with great areas to put kayaks in and enjoy the lake." However, another camper noted the challenging access, stating "The road to the camping spots are absolutely not easy to get to... take it super slow and BE CAREFUL!"

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Best Tent Sites Near Waurika, Oklahoma (4)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Waurika, OK

94 Reviews of 4 Waurika Campgrounds

  • Dave V.
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area

    Beautiful Setting, but Military Ordinance can be noisy even inside a Cabin

    Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area, Fort Sill, OK

    Cabin 3 (both late June and mid-October)

    Lake Elmer Thomas(LETRA) is a 334 acre lake located on Fort Sill in Comanche County, Oklahoma. LETRA offers a pretty nice location for recreating. Offering quite a bit for families in a limited space.                                                                                                            •A nice beach and cordoned swim area, complete with restrooms and shower house(11a-7p)…lifeguards                                                                                                          •Sand volleyball court                                                                                                             •Watersport rentals: paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boat                                      •Mini golf course                                                                                                                         •Disc golf course                                                                                                                     •RV/Camper area                                                                                                                         •Rustic rental cabins                                                                                                                    •Random primitive tent camping                                                                                        •Fishing                                                                                                                                              •Nearby off-base hiking(Mount Scott and the Medicine Park Wildlife Refuge)              •Bicycling-ample quiet, paved road opportunities but surprisingly limited off road options 

    Tent Camping: there are no specifically designated loop or numbered site tent areas. Tenters are permitted to camp all along the lake’s edge in the grassy area. There are a few picnic tables and elevated charcoal grills(no ground fires permitted), so you may have to do without. There are also a few picnic tables under shelters, but half are in a state of disrepair and caution-taped off. Tenters cannot set up tents within the cabin rental inner circle. 

    The modern facility restrooms are across from the playground as you enter the cabin rental peninsula. Tent campers are able to utilize the shower house/restrooms in the RV/Camper section, as well as the beach areas during open hours. There is no ground cover to separate one tent from the next…all can be seen and heard. 

    RV/Camper Sites: big rigs are lined up side by side in a separate gravel loop immediately to the left of the entrance. Sites have water and electric hookups. The nicest shower house/restroom is located there. There is a small patch of grass between sites, picnic table and elevated charcoal grill. These sites are closest to the entrance, beach area, watersport rental and campground activities. 

    Cabin Rentals: log home rentals are on a small peninsula with great views of Mount Scott and Lake Elmer Thomas. At the time of this review, you must bring your own bedding linens/blankets, towels, etc. I would also recommend packing extra eating utensils, condiments and any other items that you would take camping. We rented Cabin 3, which the website says will sleep 4…inaccurate. One full size bed and a small futon will sleep two average-sized adults and one small child in marginal comfort. The table only provides two chairs, not four for two not four. I would subtract 1-2 persons on the cabins unless you count floor space. Cabin 3 was$80 nightly. 

    Painted turtles are in abundance around the lake, as are smallish ‘fist-sized’ tarantulas. Bicycling the Artillary Range perimeter roadways on base, coyote dash across in early morning hours. Note: you are on a military base, so there are a number of restrictions that you need to be aware of and abide by. 

    Additionally, the campground is positioned along the northern side of the Artillery range. Yes, you will see and hear C-Ram’s lighting up the sky randomly during the day and night hours, as well as other ordinance. I enjoyed the display and out-of-the-ordinary disruption. Think unanticipated fireworks.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2021

    Moneka Park

    Tiny but Fetching

    Mar 1 - Oct 31

    Fees:  $10.00 - $14.00

    Limit: 14 days

    Fee box and Register at entrance

    Spaces:  38  No hook ups

    This campground is of a small size but it has an amazing personality with huge mature trees which shade the campground so well.  You will have a picnic table, fish cleaning station, trash, water, grill

    There is a nice open meadow feel because the center of the campground is open.  Campsites are around the outside edge.  The sites are small and with the large trees.  Larger rigs would not be able to park

    LNT

    Travel safe.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2020

    Clear Creek Lake

    Great Lake Access From Camping Areas

    For FULL Video Review CLICK HERE

    When selecting a campground in Oklahoma, options are numerous. With the heat of the summer months however looking at lake properties is something which definitely holds a lot of appeal. 

    I was in the Duncan/Marlow area and noticed the upgraded features at several of the local lakes which are designed to welcome guests. Amongst those Clear Creek Lake, a mid sized lake with about 11 miles of shoreline. The lake itself offers water activities such as fishing, swimming and boating with numerous areas for recreation located around the waters edge. 

    The campground itself offers two styles of camping, primitive and improved with prices varying from$7 to$17. Spaces are large and spacious with lake views and easy water access. Something unique to this lake is they offer extended stay up to 21 days at their location for campers. A pay kiosk was located at the entry to the common space for recreation to assess fees for not only camping but day use on the property. This kiosk accepts card only payment. 

    When I visited I noticed that most of the campsites were located right on the shoreline itself and despite many of the spaces being occupied by larger RVs they were not crowded feeling at all as spaces were large enough to feel comfortable. Each space included a fire ring and picnic table and those with improved camping had access to spigots and covered electrical connections right on their site. Primitive sites had common spigots centrally located. 

    Public use and day use areas were also within the camping zone and included playgrounds, picnic areas and a large pavilion(which can also be reserved). 

    The one slightly confusing point upon my visit was the restroom area. In the more densely populated camping area the restrooms were a bit older, lacked doors on stalls and had bare amenities you would expect from a day use only site. In the area with boat access ramps and fishing piers in addition to swimming areas, located across a small bridge from the main camping area, you could find the newly constructed shower and restroom area. This area was vastly better than the other but located much further from the camping zone itself. 

    On the recreation side of the lake boat ramps and fishing piers jut out into the water at several points, a“beach” area of sorts is indicated with markers in the water which is pretty large and an additional playground and common picnic pavilion are accessible. In this area larger parking was available for boat launch and additional smaller parking access along roadway was available for those visiting the beach.

  • Ana A.
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Lake Arrowhead State Park Campground

    Pleasant surprise

    The park is very clean, they have primitive, water + electric and just water campsites. Each site has a fire ring and a covered picnic table. The park is located just a few minutes from the freeway. You can fish, canoe, kayak or paddleboard but you need to bring your own. We enjoyed everything except the noise from the homes across the lake. This park is known for the prairie dog colonies which are fun to watch!

  • Justin F.
    Apr. 24, 2020

    Lake Lawtonka East Campground

    Good Clean Fun but why no restrooms?

    East Side – Lake Lawtonka primitive tent camping sites are very well scattered and away from each other. They have two separate areas for primitive camping along with an RV and camper area. The RV and camper area sides are $20 a night with electricity and $8 a night for all primitive tent camping sites. The first primitive campsite is called the ponds. It's very heavily wooded and Lush. The other primitive campsite is very open with almost no trees. Both sides have a beautiful view of Mount Scott & Lake lawtonka. The relative closeness all the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge is literally just across the lake. The view is outstanding but the only negative thing I have to say about this campsite is it there's no restrooms for the primitive camping areas. Both of them have only portable outhouses. No true rest rooms are nearby other than and the RV area. Other than that it's a great place for a wonderful weekend.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Boone Park - Lake Nocona

    Great for a few nighrs

    Arrived on Sunday and I was the only one in my loop for my two nights. Extremely quiet and only saw a few boaters/fishers on the pier. There’s trash bins located throughout. Vault toilets but didn’t use. Picnic tables are missing boards so you can’t really sit but for it being free, can’t complain!

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2018

    Kiowa Park Campground

    Nicest Campground At Lake

    There are two sections of this campground. My first stay I stayed in the second camping loop which was closest to the boat ramp and had a lot of in and out traffic. This site, which was closer to the camp host and entrance seemed to be a more popular site for RVs.

    As I pulled into this site I noticed that the restroom was close to the entry loop. The site had improved flush sensor toilets and running water. Each of the sites was equipped with the standard grill and picnic table but at this location they also had water spigots and electrical hook ups. The sites at this location had shade covers over the picnic tables and were split between back in spaces and pull through sites.

    I noticed on this loop many people have pulled their boats up to the their lakeside sites and had easy access to the water.

    Campsites were pretty large and spread out so even though there were more campers at this location it seemed pretty quiet. It looked as though many had set up for longer term camping, which is allowed up to 14 days at this location.

    I chose a location close to the water but a little further away than some because the waterline was up and additional rains could push up onto sites even further. I noticed that the grass was well maintained at this site but it looked as though no one had stayed at this particular site in a while as there were scattered spiderwebs everywhere and some downed debris which hadn't been cleared.

    Overall the location was much better than the second campground which seemed louder on my last visit. I checked out the campground's second camp on this trip and it seemed like no one was there at all so I believe my original assessment was based on seasonal traffic.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Burkburnett-Wichita Falls KOA

    KOA in need of a little a little TLC

    For improved campground I have always found KOA to maintain a certain level of consistency so when I went on a fun trip with some friends to check out the “rumored Texas Chainsaw Massacre” community just north of Wichita Falls we wanted to check out the KOA there. Now while you are reading this and probably thinking, “WHY WOULD YOU GO THERE??” Keep in mind it is the rumored house and there is no factual proof that it actually is there, instead we found some really interesting other creepy things to go check out, because why not.

    Anyway, back to the campground itself.

    I was very impressed with the green space, a lot of this area was already starting to brown because of the heat, but they were still looking fresh and soft and that would make for a much better location for our tent. The site itself was just under $30, one of three options they offer which are all only about $4 in difference in pricing. We sprung for the middle option with electrical hook ups, not because we needed them but because after driving around we liked the look of that site a bit more. The deluxe sites they offered were taken but they had bbq grills and a more private tent area, this has been my favorite at several other KOA locations because of the amenities however this again was taken so that wasn’t an option.

    We settled in and noticed that there were very nice amenities, the pool was amazing and perfect for a cool down on the warm day. KOA usually has this kind of amenity available as well as some outdoor activities you can enjoy like playground or sports courts. We were told they do observe quiet hours however if we wanted to swim a bit later as long as we were not loud we could do so. I would ask if this is ok before just getting out there and doing it however!!

    The shower area was very close to the tent space we had selected and as often is at a KOA, one of my favorite features because they are more home like than a typical National or State Park campground. The water was warm and the pressure was very good!!

    I noticed there were several what looked to be long term campers there in RVs. While I personally am not effected by this, it did make the area they were staying in a little less kept looking. They were not over by the cabins and tents however so it wasn’t that off-putting to me, but I could see how if that is an RV stayers view it could be kind of annoying.

    I used the WIFI here and it worked great, sometimes the campsites are a bit to far away and thus don’t get good connection, however I was able to use wifi for typical functions, although I did not fully test it with uploading anything major.

    TIPS

    If you are interested in a Deluxe site book in advance there are very few and they go fast during heavy traffic seasons. Usually at this campsite there are tent sites which are walk in ready however.

    Explore around the campground because they have some very interesting items if you are willing to just walk around and see them which are unique to this campground.

    • Be careful for stickers. While the area we were in didn’t seem to have them we did notice when walking around especially near the dog walk area they seemed to be pretty bad.
  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2021

    COE Waurika Lake Wichita Ridge North

    Peace on the Lake

    Rates:  $16.00 - $100.00

    10 Sites with electric

    17 sites non electric

    FCFS Reservations not accepted

    Boat ramp, drinking water, dump station, picnic area, pit toilets, covered picnic table

    We had great camp host and they kept everything so nice and clean and they were very friendly

    The only issue were the wasp.  We always seem to have ants anymore but this was the first of the wasp.  Our site was right on the water but sunset just off to our left but the moon was amazing.  This is a small campground along with several others on the lake.  I enjoyed the smaller and would come back to this area.  Need to bring your fishing pole.  The land around the lake is slightly rolling farmland and pasture so you will enjoy your peace and quiet.  When we got up the next morning it was to enjoy seeing a small deer standing in the edge of the lake.  Didn't seem afraid of us.  Not good for the deer since they do hunt in the area.

    There is a small store about 3 miles from the park entrance.  I would still bring in all the supplies you feel you will need.  This is a beautiful lank with wonderful sunsets.

    LNT

    BTWYFT

    Travel safe

Guide to Waurika

Tent camping near Waurika, Oklahoma centers around the Waurika Lake area, which sits at approximately 900 feet elevation in the Cross Timbers region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through August, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Autumn camping coincides with hunting season, which creates increased competition for primitive camping spots throughout the area.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Waurika Lake contains catfish, bass, and crappie, making it popular with anglers seeking uncrowded fishing spots. At Joe Benton Park - Lake Nocona, one camper mentioned "This lake is great for smaller boats like canoes or smaller fishing boats. In recent years it has endured some falling of the lake levels so I would recommend a smaller boat instead of a larger one."

Historical sites: Just across the Texas border, Stonewall Jackson Campground offers educational opportunities beyond camping. One visitor noted, "It's more of a park but with some cool historical reading of Stonewall Jackson. Had a cool time passing by but didn't sleep here."

Wildlife observation: The Waurika area supports diverse wildlife populations, particularly bird species. Tent campers regularly report seeing waterfowl, deer, and small mammals. According to one camper at Waurika Primitive Camping, "There are a lot of Fish, Birds and Clams. So if need be, you won't go hungry if stuck for a period of time."

What campers like

Water access: Multiple primitive camping areas provide direct water entry points without formal boat ramps. A camper at Waurika Primitive Camping stated, "There is a great area to put the kayaks in and enjoy the lake. If you want to fish I guess you could do it right from the bank and set out in your small boat. No boat ramp."

Reasonable seclusion: Weekday camping offers significantly more solitude than weekends. The sites receive moderate use except during peak summer and hunting seasons. One review mentioned, "I would guess the weekends could be crowded. You might want to rethink hunting season."

Cost-free options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate that Waurika Primitive Camping requires no fees and permits stay durations up to 14 days. This makes the area attractive for extended tent camping stays and those testing equipment before longer trips elsewhere.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate quickly after rainfall and remain rutted until maintenance occurs. A visitor at Chandler Creek Campground explained their experience: "The actual campground is a huge grass field, nicely maintained and the pads have a base of grass." This contrasts with Waurika's more challenging terrain.

Facility limitations: Most primitive sites near Waurika lack basic amenities, requiring complete self-sufficiency. A camper noted, "As for the water. Water water everywhere but not a drop to drink. Bring your own water. I don't suggest bathing in the lake but there are no signs saying you can't."

Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid temperature fluctuations and strong winds, particularly during spring and fall. One camper documented, "We stayed the last week of November into the first week of December. The weather fluctuated but was mostly on the warm side with the exception of a few days in the 40's."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waurika, OK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waurika, OK is Waurika Primitive Camping with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Waurika, OK?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Waurika, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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